PREVENT
What is the Prevent Strategy?
Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. The Prevent Strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism. It does not relate to any specific religion or belief system.
Click here to see Guidance for Schools
Educate Against Hate
This is an important government website that provides advice and information about protecting children from extremism and radicalisation.
How does the Prevent Strategy apply to schools?
From July 2015 all schools have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. This means that schools have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views in the same way that we protect them from drugs or gang violence.
The Prevent Strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may be inappropriate for younger children. However, it is about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect.
Importantly, we can provide a safe place for children to discuss any issues so that they better understand how to protect themselves.
What is radicalisation?
It is when a person starts to develop extremist views or begins to support terrorism or forms of extremism that leads to terrorism. In some cases, they become involved with organisations or individuals who encourage the development of these ideas. There are some young people who are particularly vulnerable to radicalisation:
- They are usually 13 years old or upwards but not always.
- They may have a personality or identity crisis.
- They may have unmet aspirations or have a personal crisis.
- They may have a need for adventure or excitement.
- They may feel that their culture or religion is under threat.
- Individuals may feel socially isolated or be suffering depression.
- They may demonstrate criminal behaviour.
- They may be groomed by others who promise them excitement, glory or freedom.
What are the signs?
- Feeling isolated or expressions of “us and them” mentality.
- Becoming more argumentative or domineering in their viewpoint – quick to condemn those who disagree with their opinions.
- Downloading extremism content.
- Social isolation – especially if they had been social previously.
- Abnormal routines or travel patterns.
- Altered appearance.
Guidance and reference: